Healthcare Facilities in Abu Dhabi – A Comprehensive Guide

Abu Dhabi has established itself as a hub for world-class healthcare facilities, offering exceptional medical services to residents and visitors alike. Driven by population growth, rising healthcare demands, and government investments, the emirate now stands among the top destinations for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the globe.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), formerly known as the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), regulates the healthcare sector. It oversees the licensing, accreditation, and compliance of all medical institutions and professionals, ensuring adherence to international quality and safety standards. With a growing emphasis on preventive care and health awareness, Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system combines innovation, accessibility, and excellence to deliver comprehensive care for everyone.

Overview of Healthcare Facilities in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system features a balanced mix of public and private facilities. The public sector is primarily managed by SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company), while the private sector continues to grow, providing patients with specialized care and luxury medical experiences.

Hospitals:
The emirate hosts more than 65 hospitals, offering services ranging from general healthcare to advanced surgery. Many of these institutions hold international accreditations like JCI (Joint Commission International), ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Pharmacies:
Over 950 pharmacies operate across Abu Dhabi, regulated by the DoH. They offer prescription and over-the-counter medications, ensuring accessibility to essential drugs and medical supplies.

Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS):
Operated by SEHA, AHS delivers community-based healthcare through 33 clinics, 16 disease prevention centres, and mobile units. The focus on preventive care and early screening makes healthcare accessible even in remote areas.

Together, these institutions create a cohesive, patient-centric system that prioritizes quality, efficiency, and accessibility.

Key Healthcare Providers

Several world-renowned healthcare providers form the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s medical ecosystem.

1. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
A flagship multi-specialty hospital managed by Mubadala Health, it offers cutting-edge treatments in cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology. With over 490 beds, advanced ICU units, and a team of international specialists, it represents the highest global standards of care.

2. Mubadala Health
This integrated healthcare network includes facilities such as Healthpoint, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, and Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre. Mubadala Health emphasizes innovation, digital healthcare, and patient-centered service delivery.

3. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC)
Operated by SEHA, SKMC provides comprehensive services in emergency medicine, surgery, and rehabilitation. It plays a key role in national healthcare development through its focus on research, training, and community health programs.

4. Other Major Providers:

• Burjeel Hospital – Known for its luxury healthcare and comprehensive medical services.
• NMC Healthcare – Offers specialized and affordable care across multiple facilities.
• Tawam Hospital and Al Ain Hospital – Provide critical and specialized care under the SEHA network.

Medical Specialties and Expertise

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities cover an extensive range of specialties supported by advanced technology and global expertise.

ENT and Audiology: Offered at Cleveland Clinic, SKMC, and NMC Specialty Hospital for sinus, allergy, and hearing disorders.
Dental Services: Comprehensive oral health solutions, from preventive check-ups to cosmetic and implant dentistry.
IVF and Fertility: Facilities like Fakih IVF and HealthPlus Fertility provide world-class reproductive services, including IVF, ICSI, and egg freezing.
Cardiology, Oncology, and Neurology: These remain major areas of focus, with hospitals equipped for complex surgeries, cancer treatments, and neurological therapies.

Diagnostics and Preventive Healthcare

Abu Dhabi emphasizes early detection and disease prevention through advanced diagnostic centers and medical screenings.

• Al Zafaranah Diagnostic & Screening Center offers endoscopy, colonoscopy, and cancer screening.
• Al Samha Healthcare Center provides radiology and interventional imaging services.
• Primary healthcare centers under SEHA promote vaccinations, family medicine, and lifestyle counseling.

All institutions integrate with Malaffi, Abu Dhabi’s digital health information exchange, ensuring seamless medical data sharing and coordinated patient care.

Legal, Accreditation, and Regulation

Healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi operate under strict federal and local regulations enforced by the Department of Health (DoH).

Accreditation:
Facilities undergo evaluation by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) and international accrediting bodies. This process assesses infrastructure, patient safety, staffing, and operational standards.

Compliance:
Hospitals must follow policies related to patient confidentiality, ethical practices, and medical record management. Non-compliance can result in fines or license suspension.

The DoH continuously updates its Healthcare Professionals and Regulators Manuals to ensure facilities maintain international benchmarks.

Emergency and Patient Care

Abu Dhabi’s emergency healthcare network is among the most efficient in the region. Hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Tawam Hospital operate 24/7 emergency departments equipped with the latest trauma and life-support technology.

Residents can reach emergency services by dialing 999, with rapid ambulance response guaranteed. According to a DoH survey, 84% of patients report satisfaction with emergency care — a rate higher than global averages in countries like the UK and Singapore.

Comparison with Dubai’s Healthcare System

While both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer high-quality healthcare, there are distinctions:

• Infrastructure: Dubai has more hospitals, but Abu Dhabi’s public network under SEHA ensures equal access.
• Medical Tourism: Dubai leads globally, but Abu Dhabi’s facilities like Cleveland Clinic attract high-end medical tourists.
• Costs: Treatment in Abu Dhabi tends to be more affordable.
• Accessibility: Dubai has broader public transport, while Abu Dhabi continues to expand connectivity to healthcare zones.

Both emirates share the UAE’s vision of positioning the country as a global healthcare leader.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare landscape represents excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. With over 1,600 licensed facilities, thousands of healthcare professionals, and continuous government investment, the emirate guarantees top-tier medical care for its residents and visitors.

From advanced surgeries to preventive care, Abu Dhabi’s medical system ensures access to safe, efficient, and compassionate healthcare — supporting its vision of becoming a global health destination.